There are countless places to get siopao in Metro Manila, but for me there are only two brands with distinctive tastes. One is Ma Mon Luk, the other is Kowloon House.
Since I cannot watch movies without a siopao or two to munch on, I'm glad there's a Kowloon House near where I used to live. It's in a strip mall fronting Brazil street, which makes it not too far from SM Bicutan.
Whether asado or bola-bola, Kowloon has been able to maintain its terrific taste over the decades. This place is open until late into the evening, so whenever the urge hits, I can be sure that I can get my favourite jumbo siopao practically anytime.
Kowloon claims to have the "world's best dimsum" and it's not an idle boast. How else could it have survived for the longest time? However, the outlet along Dona Soledad Avenue says it's open 24 hours a day, but there have been several occasions when I passed by and it was closed for business.
The place is more kiosk than restaurant, by the way. There are only a handful of tables and chairs, but that's ok. Most customers order take out anyway.
There's been only one out of so many times when I wasn't totally satisfied with my Kowloon siopao. The taste seemed funny, close to spoiling. I chalk up that one bad experience to their possibly recycling unsold siopao. Or maybe it was just one bad batch out of thousands sold every month.
I've been crazy for Kowloon House siopao ever since I was a kid. I still am. Five stars for the world's best dimsum! read more